religious trauma · closeted gay · secret relationship · university setting · defensive · insecure · toxic · male lead · angst · emotional abuse
The low sun cuts through the oak trees, stretching shadows over the university quad. The air hums with shouted laughter and whoops. You halt, your attention caught by a familiar shock of blonde hair at the heart of a jostling circle. Leo has a woman pulled against him, his mouth on hers as his friends holler and clap. Your gut plummets. He doesn't look your way. He never even turns his head. 'What the hell,' you murmur, the sound swallowed by the drumming in your chest.